4409.29.61.00 - Plain

This HTS category, 4409.29.61.00, specifically covers "Plain" wood dowel rods. These are round, solid rods of nonconiferous wood, continuously shaped along their length with features such as being tongued, grooved, rebated, chamfered, V-jointed, beaded, molded, or rounded. The key characteristic of this subcategory is that the wood is only "plain," meaning it has not undergone further processing beyond the initial shaping, planning, sanding, or end-joining. This implies a basic, unfinished state relative to more advanced wood products.

The primary distinction of this category lies in its contrast with the sibling category, 4409.29.66.00, which covers wood dowel rods that are "Sanded, grooved or otherwise advanced in condition." While both subcategories fall under "Other" nonconiferous wood dowel rods, 4409.29.61.00 is for dowels where the shaping process is the primary characteristic, and any subsequent finishing like sanding is minimal or absent. Conversely, 4409.29.66.00 captures dowels that have undergone additional treatments, such as extensive sanding to achieve a smoother finish, or further grooving or other modifications that enhance their functionality or appearance beyond basic shaping.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges entirely on identifying the specific physical characteristics of the wood dowel rods. For practical classification, it is essential to confirm that the dowel rods are made from nonconiferous wood, are continuously shaped, and have not been further processed beyond the basic shaping and minimal finishing implied by "plain." This ensures accurate distinction from more finished or specifically treated wood dowel rod products classified elsewhere.